News from Middle East Politics, Business, Economy and More

Officials blocked 'squidygate' inquiry


Published: Feb. 12, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Print story
Email to a friend
Font size:
LONDON, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- A British official allegedly blocked an inquiry into taped conversations hinting at an affair Princess Diana had with a former British actor, an inquest heard.

Diana's brother-in-law, Robert Fellowes, told the inquest into Diana's death that then-British Home Secretary Ken Clarke blocked the British intelligence agency MI5 from launching a full investigation into the "squidgygate" affair, The Daily Telegraph said Tuesday.

The "squidgygate" tapes featured conversations between Diana and an alleged former lover, James Gilbey, recorded by British intelligence officers who were allegedly protecting British royals from assassination by the Irish Republican Army.

The tapes feature Gilbey telling Diana "I love you" and calling her "Squidgy" more than 50 times in the half-hour conversation.

Fellowes told the inquest he was not in Paris at the time of Diana's death in a 1997 car crash, which also killed her companion Dodi Fayed.

Mohamed Fayed, owner of the hotel chain Harrods and father of Dodi, says Fellowes conspired with British intelligence agents prior to the crash.

Meanwhile, the head coroner in charge of the inquest, Scott Baker, said the inquest is costing the British public nearly $70,000 a day and said the total bill could surpass $12 million.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
Print story
Order reprints
Email to a friend
Post comment
See Also:
» Next in Top News: Gore mum on endorsement

VAN98031803
VAN98031803 - 18 MARCH 1998 - VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA: Diana, Princess of Wales visiting the Japanese Pavilion during day two of Expo'86 in Vancouver, May 3rd, 1986. File Photo hr/Peter Tanner UPI
Full Photo | Slideshow